I along with my numerous supporters stand in opposition to Kelly Damphousse’s attack on democratic rights and academic freedom. To be clear, Damphousse’s decision to fire me is part of a broader political attack being carried out by the authoritarian far-right to crush democracy and democratic institutions in the US of which he is an active participant. The charges leveled against me by the Texas State administration do not stand up to the facts. We have truth on our side and we look forward to our time in court.

This is not just a battle to be wage in the courts but also in public arena. The sides are clear. Damphousse has sided with an open online fascist and far-right politicians intent on eroding democracy not only on college campuses but in our society as a whole. In opposition to Damphousse are those in favor of democratic rights and academic freedom from labor unions to academic associations and all those who value democracy. As Damphousse is the head of Texas State University it is deeply disheartening that he has chosen to not defend the basic mission of the University to foster knowledge, learning, and innovation through academic freedom. My firing is not an isolated incident. Damphousse has fired a staff member and forced a student to withdraw after they each exercised their free speech rights. The Texas State administration is also carrying out a rapid audit of all college courses to force to them to comply with far-right doctrines. Much of the academic world has already condemned the actions of Damphousse and the Texas State administration. Damphousse in following through with my firing brings shame, embarrassment and a heavy blow to the academic reputation of Texas State. This hurts not only faculty, staff, current students and alumni but the San Marcos community as well.

I was fired because I am a socialist and member of Socialist Horizon. As a socialist I am in favor of a national health care system, free college education, trade union rights, ending corporate control of government, opposing endless wars and the genocide in Palestine, and for defending the most vulnerable members of our society from racist, sexist, and transphobic attacks. At time of deepening economic crisis and the increased transfer of wealth from working people to billionaires the far-right has moved to silence all voices of opposition as they move toward fascism.

As I have continually said, this fight did not start with me and it does not end with me. I stand with my unions, the Texas State Employees Union and the American Association of University Professors, the broad coalition of democratic rights supporters in the Committee to Defend Tom Alter, the Texas State chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, Socialist Horizon, and all those who value basic democracy. We will continue to fight for a better future.

Love and Solidarity,

Tom Alter